October 5, 2016 Weekly Crop & Weather Update

Below you will find the daily maximum and minimum air temperatures, growing degree units (GDUs), and 24-hour precipitation amounts for this week. These values are recorded at 8 AM and reflect the conditions for the previous 24-hour period (8 AM to 8 AM) at the Southern Research & Outreach Center, Waseca.

Air Temp (oF)

GDUs

Precip.

Date

Max

Min

(inches)

Thursday, 9/29

66

48

8.0

-

Friday, 9/30

70

48

10.0

-

Saturday, 10/1

74

51

12.5

-

Sunday, 10/2

76

49

13.0

-

Monday, 10/3

79

49

14.5

-

Tuesday, 10/4

78

56

17.0

-

Wednesday, 10/5

79

56

17.5

0.86

There was only one rain event recorded this week that came after an eight day rain-free stretch. This was the longest dry period we have observed all year. Temperature averaged 62.8 degrees or 8.7 degrees warmer than normal. Rainfall totaled 0.86 inch, which is 0.05 inch above normal. Growing degree units (GDUs) totaled 92.5 or 71.5 more than normal. Since May 1, we have now accumulated 2919 GDUs. This is only the 3rd time since 1950 we have recorded as many as 2900 GDUs.

Last year this week brought us average temperatures and dry conditions. Temperature averaged 54.3 degrees and no rain fell. Last year at this time we had accumulated 2643.5 GDUs.

Our record breaking September is now behind us. Records set this September include: 1) highest 24-hour rain 7.64 inches, 2) highest 48-hour rain 10.16 inches and 3) wettest month 14.80 inches. September also brought our growing season rainfall to a new record at 43.91 inches beating the old record by 9.3 inches. Forgotten in all the rain is the fact that September was 5.3 degrees warmer than normal. Every month this year has been warmer than normal.

We did get a start on harvest during our short dry spell. Soybean yields are very good with many topping 70 bu/A. Corn yields are also very good and grain is quite dry. Even a 109-day hybrid was 24.5% this week. This should help harvest move along quickly because corn will not need much artificial drying. Farmers would appreciate another rain-free period starting now.